Sean Ellis’s latest film, The Cut, marks a departure from his previous work, including the acclaimed 19th-century vampire movie Eight for Silver (2021). This new feature tells the story of a washed-up boxer who secretly accepts a lucrative comeback fight in Las Vegas, despite his wife’s wishes. Unlike the typical Rocky-inspired narrative focused on underdog triumph in the ring, The Cut unfolds as a gripping psychological thriller that explores the lengths to which desperate fighters may go. Its themes resonate with this year’s Cannes sensation The Substance, which dealt with the physical and emotional struggles of a fading actress.
In The Cut, Orlando Bloom impressively redefines himself as a boxer. Known for his roles in the Pirates of the Caribbean and Lord of the Rings franchises, Bloom portrays a character who appears haggard and grappling with insecurities, enhanced by prosthetic makeup. The film’s tension peaks during the crucial weigh-in that determines whether he can fight in his designated weight class. His wife, Caitlin, played by Caitríona Balfe, can only guide him so far, leading him to meet the enigmatic Boz, portrayed by John Turturro. Boz exploits the boxer’s vulnerabilities and introduces him to a perilous regimen of training and diet.
With the film set to premiere at the Toronto Film Festival, Ellis and Bloom recently shared insights about their creative journey.
Orlando Bloom revealed that his collaboration with producer Mark Lane dates back to their previous film Retaliation. Lane introduced him to The Cut, and Bloom was immediately drawn to its unique approach to the boxing genre, focusing on the internal struggles rather than just the physical fight.
Ellis echoed Bloom’s sentiments about wanting to craft a fresh take on boxing films. He found The Cut’s emphasis on the preparation and psychological drama of the athlete to be far more compelling than the clichéd tropes that dominate the genre.
As for Bloom’s physical transformation, he began the process at around 185 pounds, working with nutritionist Philip Goglia to gradually drop weight while preserving muscle. He followed a strict diet leading up to filming, ultimately reaching 152 pounds for the weigh-in scene—a choice that necessitated filming the movie in reverse to accommodate his weight fluctuations during shooting.
Ellis praised Bloom’s dedication, recalling their initial conversations about the character’s depth and the importance of authenticity in the relationship between Bloom’s boxer and Balfe’s character. Their collaboration allowed for significant character development beyond the script’s initial parameters.
Meanwhile, Turturro’s portrayal of Boz brought an unexpected depth to the script, transforming a more straightforward character into a complex figure that blurred the lines of mentorship and manipulative influence. Bloom noted that Turturro’s interpretation added layers on set, creating a compelling dynamic between the characters.
As the premiere approaches, Ellis expressed hope for a positive audience reaction, emphasizing his pride in the film and the performances captured. Bloom likened the viewing experience to a dramatic performance that engages viewers on an emotional level, forcing them to confront uncomfortable truths about male athletes and their struggles with self-worth.
The Cut promises to be a thought-provoking exploration of determination, identity, and the sometimes-thin line between ambition and obsession.